Intracranial osteochondroma arising from the posterior clinoid process: a rare case report with diagnostic challenges and comprehensive literature review

Introduction and importance: Intracranial osteochondroma is rare, presenting diagnostic challenges due to overlapping imaging findings with other pathologies. This case report highlights the significance of considering osteochondroma in calcified tumour differentials near bone. Case presentation: A 34-year-old man with vision deterioration and headaches had an MRI revealing a suprasellar lesion. Intraoperatively, a bony hard tumour was partially resected. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) confirmed a calcified mass contiguous with the posterior clinoid. Clinical discussion: Reviewing 28 cases, skull base osteochondromas were common, with differential diagnoses including craniopharyngioma and meningioma. Surgical decision-making involved balancing complete resection for convexity and falx cases versus partial resection for skull base tumours due to proximity to critical structures. Conclusion: Intracranial osteochondroma poses diagnostic challenges, especially near bone. Tailored surgical approaches are vital, with complete resection yielding good outcomes for convexity and falx cases. Close follow-up is crucial for monitoring recurrences and complications.